Double walled container

ABSTRACT

A double-walled container is used to thermally isolate a stored substance from the external environment. The double walled container has an interior container, an exterior sidewall a flat base and a spacer ring. The interior container serves as a receptacle into which the stored substance is placed. The exterior sidewall is mounted onto the flat base so that the double walled container can be rested on a surface. The spacer ring is connected in between a rim of the exterior wall and a rim of the interior container. Thus connected, the spacer ring maintains the interior container in a position offset from the exterior sidewall. This enables an insulating compartment to be positioned in between the two components. Thereby, thermally isolating the interior container from the exterior sidewall.

The current application claims a priority to the U.S. Design patent application Ser. No. 29/680,004 filed on Feb. 12, 2019.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a thermally insulated container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Transporting hot food is often a challenge. Frequently, a user is forced to use potholders when moving a container filled with hot food from place to place. Foregoing the use of potholders often results in spilled food or even burned hands. This issue can waste food and may lead to hospitalization.

The present invention, a double walled container, addresses this issue by providing a container that thermally isolate the hot food from the container's exterior surface. Thus, reducing the chance that the user will be burned or forced into an uncomfortable position. To achieve this functionality, the present invention employs a multicomponent container that separates an internal receptacle from an exterior sidewall via an airgap. This air gap prevents the heat from the food stored within the interior receptacle from burning the hands of the user. Similarly, the present invention is designed to prevent cold substances stored within the interior receptacle from dropping the temperature of the exterior sidewall and causing tissue damage.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric perspective view of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the present invention indicating the direction of section cut 4.

FIG. 4 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the present invention taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3.

DETAIL DESCRIPTIONS OF THE INVENTION

All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing selected versions of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

As a preliminary matter, it will readily be understood by one having ordinary skill in the relevant art that the present disclosure has broad utility and application. As should be understood, any embodiment may incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed aspects of the disclosure and may further incorporate only one or a plurality of the above-disclosed features. Furthermore, any embodiment discussed and identified as being “preferred” is considered to be part of a best mode contemplated for carrying out the embodiments of the present disclosure. Other embodiments also may be discussed for additional illustrative purposes in providing a full and enabling disclosure. Moreover, many embodiments, such as adaptations, variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be implicitly disclosed by the embodiments described herein and fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

Accordingly, while embodiments are described herein in detail in relation to one or more embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is illustrative and exemplary of the present disclosure, and are made merely for the purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure. The detailed disclosure herein of one or more embodiments is not intended, nor is to be construed, to limit the scope of patent protection afforded in any claim of a patent issuing here from, which scope is to be defined by the claims and the equivalents thereof. It is not intended that the scope of patent protection be defined by reading into any claim a limitation found herein that does not explicitly appear in the claim itself.

Thus, for example, any sequence(s) and/or temporal order of steps of various processes or methods that are described herein are illustrative and not restrictive. Accordingly, it should be understood that, although steps of various processes or methods may be shown and described as being in a sequence or temporal order, the steps of any such processes or methods are not limited to being carried out in any particular sequence or order, absent an indication otherwise. Indeed, the steps in such processes or methods generally may be carried out in various different sequences and orders while still falling within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the scope of patent protection is to be defined by the issued claim(s) rather than the description set forth herein.

Additionally, it is important to note that each term used herein refers to that which an ordinary artisan would understand such term to mean based on the contextual use of such term herein. To the extent that the meaning of a term used herein—as understood by the ordinary artisan based on the contextual use of such term—differs in any way from any particular dictionary definition of such term, it is intended that the meaning of the term as understood by the ordinary artisan should prevail.

Furthermore, it is important to note that, as used herein, “a” and “an” each generally denotes “at least one,” but does not exclude a plurality unless the contextual use dictates otherwise. When used herein to join a list of items, “or” denotes “at least one of the items,” but does not exclude a plurality of items of the list. Finally, when used herein to join a list of items, “and” denotes “all of the items of the list.”

The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or similar elements. While many embodiments of the disclosure may be described, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible. For example, substitutions, additions, or modifications may be made to the elements illustrated in the drawings, and the methods described herein may be modified by substituting, reordering, or adding stages to the disclosed methods. Accordingly, the following detailed description does not limit the disclosure. Instead, the proper scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims. The present disclosure contains headers. It should be understood that these headers are used as references and are not to be construed as limiting upon the subjected matter disclosed under the header.

Other technical advantages may become readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after review of the following figures and description. It should be understood at the outset that, although exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the figures and described below, the principles of the present disclosure may be implemented using any number of techniques, whether currently known or not. The present disclosure should in no way be limited to the exemplary implementations and techniques illustrated in the drawings and described below.

Unless otherwise indicated, the drawings are intended to be read together with the specification, and are to be considered a portion of the entire written description of this invention. As used in the following description, the terms “horizontal”, “vertical”, “left”, “right”, “up”, “down” and the like, as well as adjectival and adverbial derivatives thereof (e.g., “horizontally”, “rightwardly”, “upwardly”, “radially”, etc.), simply refer to the orientation of the illustrated structure as the particular drawing figure faces the reader. Similarly, the terms “inwardly,” “outwardly” and “radially” generally refer to the orientation of a surface relative to its axis of elongation, or axis of rotation, as appropriate. As used herein, the term “dorsal” refers to positions that are located near, on, or towards the upper or top side of a structure.

The present disclosure includes many aspects and features. Moreover, while many aspects and features relate to, and are described in the context of detection of presence of one or more intruder devices, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to use only in this context.

Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 4, the preferred embodiment of the present invention, a double walled container, is designed to act as an insulated receptacle for foods, fluids, and other substances. The present invention enables a user to transport hot or cold substances without fear of being burned or frozen. To achieve the above described functionality, the present invention comprises an interior container 1, an exterior sidewall 2, a flat base 3, and an annular spacer 4. The exterior sidewall 2 forms the outermost layer of the present invention and comprises a wall body 21 and an exterior rim 22. The interior container 1 is designed to act as the storage receptacle for the substance placed into the present invention. Preferably, the present invention functions as a bowl. However, embodiments of the present invention are fashioned into a device selected from the group including, but not limited to, cups, mugs, pitchers, and thermoses. The annular spacer 4 is perimetrically connected around an upper rim 11 of the interior container 1 and extends away from the upper rim 11. Additionally, the annular spacer 4 is connected in between the exterior rim 22 of the exterior sidewall 2 and the upper rim 11 of the interior container 1. Thus positioned, the annular spacer 4 retains the interior container 1 in a desired position. Specifically, the annular spacer 4 retains the interior container 1 in a position where the exterior sidewall 2 encompasses the interior container 1. This configuration facilitates insulating an exterior environment from the substance stored within the interior container 1. The wall body 21 is a rigid panel that forms the structural component of the external sidewall and defines the external sidewall's overall shape. The wall body 21 is connected in between the exterior rim 22 and the flat base 3. Additionally, the wall body 21 is terminally and perimetrically connected around the flat base 3. As a result, the wall body 21 support the weight of the interior container 1 while the flat base 3 is resting on an external surface. An insulating compartment 5 is positioned in between the interior container 1 and the exterior wall. Consequently, the insulating compartment 5 thermally isolates the interior container 1 from the exterior sidewall 2.

Referring to FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the interior container 1 is designed to act as a storage receptacle for substances. To facilitate this functionality, the interior container 1 comprises a container sidewall 12, a container base 13, and a receptacle 14. The container sidewall 12 is connected in between the upper rim 11 and the container base 13. Thus, forming a structure that supports the weight of the stored substance. Further, the container sidewall 12 and the container base 13 delineate the receptacle 14. Thereby, defining the overall shape and volume of the interior container 1. In some embodiments, the interior container 1 further comprises an insulating liner 15. The insulating liner 15 is a film of material that is superimposed onto the container sidewall 12 opposite to the insulating compartment 5, across the container sidewall 12. This film further facilitates thermally isolating the interior container 1 from the exterior sidewall 2. Preferably, a transverse cross-section of the container sidewall 12 curves from the container base 13 to the upper rim 11. Likewise, a transverse cross-section of the wall body 21 curves from the flat base 3 to the exterior rim 22 Thus, defining a hemispherical shaped device. Preferably, a radius 16 of the exterior rim 22 is greater than a radius 23 of the upper rim 11. Accordingly, the exterior sidewall 2 is positioned offset from the interior container 1. Some embodiments of the present invention feature interior containers 1 with a geometry that does not mirror a geometry of the exterior sidewall 2. For example, the interior container 1 may be shaped in a geometry selected from the group including, but not limited to, conical, cylindrical, or cuboid.

Referring to FIG. 2, the annular spacer 4 is designed to retain the interior container 1 in a position offset from the exterior sidewall 2. In some embodiments, the annular spacer 4 creates a rounded edge and comprises a first leg 41, a second leg 42, and an intermediary leg 43. The first leg 41 is connected in between the upper rim 11 and the intermediary leg 43. Additionally, the second leg 42 is connected in between the exterior rim 22 and the intermediary leg 43. Consequently, the annular spacer 4 provides an edge-free transition between the interior container 1 and the exterior sidewall 2. In some embodiments, the annular spacer 4 is a flat panel that is connected in between the upper rim 11 and the exterior rim 22.

Referring to FIG. 1, some embodiments of the present invention are designed with an insulating substance 6 that fills the insulating compartment 5. Preferably, the insulating substance 6 is air. The insulating substance 6 facilitates thermally isolating the interior container 1 from the exterior sidewall 2. In further embodiments, the insulating compartment 5 is evacuated to thermally isolate the interior container 1 from the exterior sidewall 2. Supplemental embodiments include a solid insulation material that is housed within the insulating compartment 5. Embodiments of the present invention are constructed using insulating materials that do not conduct heat. Thereby, preventing heat from being transferred out of the stored substance, through the interior container 1, the annular spacer 4, and into the exterior sidewall 2.

Referring to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, as described above, the present invention is designed to function as a bowl for transporting food and other substances. To that end, the present invention further comprises a textured liner 7. The textured liner 7 is a friction increasing film that is superimposed onto the exterior sidewall 2 opposite to the insulating compartment 5, across the wall body 21. As a result, the textured liner 7 prevents the present invention from slipping out of a user's hand while being transported. In some embodiments, the textured liner 7 is a surface structure selected from the group including, but not limited to, knurling, ribbing, and a plurality of protrusions. In further embodiments, the textured liner 7 is a rubberized material that facilitates gripping the exterior sidewall 2. Preferably, the exterior sidewall 2 and the interior container 1 are composed of transparent materials. Thus, enabling the user to visually inspect the contents of the interior container 1.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that many other possible modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A double walled container comprising: an interior container; an exterior sidewall; a flat base; an annular spacer; the exterior sidewall comprising a wall body and an exterior rim; the annular spacer being perimetrically connected around an upper rim of the interior container; the annular spacer extending away from the upper rim; the annular spacer being connected in between the exterior rim and the upper rim; the wall body being connected in between the exterior rim and the flat base; wall body being terminally and perimetrically connected around the flat base; the exterior sidewall encompassing the interior container; and an insulating compartment being positioned in between the interior container and the exterior wall.
 2. The double walled container as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the interior container comprising a container sidewall, a container base, and a receptacle; the container sidewall being connected in between the upper rim and the container base; and the container sidewall and the container base delineating the receptacle.
 3. The double walled container as claimed in claim 2 comprising: the interior container further comprising an insulating liner; the insulating liner being superimposed onto the container sidewall; and the insulating liner being positioned opposite to the insulating compartment, across the container sidewall.
 4. The double walled container as claimed in claim 2, wherein a transverse cross-section of the container sidewall curving from the container base to the upper rim.
 5. The double walled container as claimed in claim 1 comprising: the annular spacer comprising a first leg, a second leg, and an intermediary leg; the first leg being connected in between the upper rim and the intermediary leg; and the second leg being connected in between the exterior rim and the intermediary leg.
 6. The double walled container as claimed in claim 1 comprising: an insulating substance; and the insulating substance filling the insulating compartment.
 7. The double walled container as claimed in claim 5, wherein the insulating substance being air.
 8. The double walled container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the insulating compartment being evacuated.
 9. The double walled container as claimed in claim 1 comprising: a textured liner; the textured liner being superimposed onto the exterior sidewall; and the textured liner being positioned opposite to the insulating compartment, across the wall body.
 10. The double walled container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a radius of the exterior rim being greater than a radius of the upper rim.
 11. The double walled container as claimed in claim 1, wherein a transverse cross-section of the wall body curving from the flat base to the exterior rim.
 12. The double walled container as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exterior sidewall and the interior container both being composed of transparent materials.
 13. A double walled container comprising: an interior container; an exterior sidewall; a flat base; an annular spacer; an insulating substance; the exterior sidewall comprising a wall body and an exterior rim; the interior container comprising a container sidewall, a container base, a receptacle, and an insulating liner; the annular spacer comprising a first leg, a second leg, and an intermediary leg; the annular spacer being perimetrically connected around an upper rim of the interior container; the annular spacer extending away from the upper rim; the annular spacer being connected in between the exterior rim and the upper rim; the wall body being connected in between the exterior rim and the flat base; wall body being terminally and perimetrically connected around the flat base; the exterior sidewall encompassing the interior container; an insulating compartment being positioned in between the interior container and the exterior wall; the container sidewall being connected in between the upper rim and the container base; the container sidewall and the container base delineating the receptacle; the insulating liner being superimposed onto the container sidewall; and the insulating liner being positioned opposite to the insulating compartment, across the container sidewall; the insulating substance filling the insulating compartment; the first leg being connected in between the upper rim and the intermediary leg; and the second leg being connected in between the exterior rim and the intermediary leg.
 14. The double walled container as claimed in claim 13, wherein a transverse cross-section of the container sidewall curving from the container base to the upper rim.
 15. The double walled container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the insulating substance being air.
 16. The double walled container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the insulating compartment being evacuated.
 17. The double walled container as claimed in claim 13 comprising: a textured liner; the textured liner being superimposed onto the exterior sidewall; and the textured liner being positioned opposite to the insulating compartment, across the wall body.
 18. The double walled container as claimed in claim 13, wherein a radius of the exterior rim being greater than a radius of the upper rim.
 19. The double walled container as claimed in claim 13, wherein a transverse cross-section of the wall body curving from the flat base to the exterior rim.
 20. The double walled container as claimed in claim 13, wherein the exterior sidewall and the interior container both being composed of transparent materials. 